Aspiring students

Are you considering whether to come to university? Thinking about studying at York? We welcome and encourage talented students from all backgrounds to apply to York. If you'd like to find out more about us and get a taste of university life there are a range of opportunities on offer.

Most of these opportunities are suitable for Year 12 pupils and in some cases mature applicants.

Subject conferences

Subject conferences are a great way to sample academic life at York and gain an insight into your study options and future career opportunities. They focus in-depth on one specific subject.

These events are suitable for Year 12 students and mature applicants.

York Experience Summer School

Every year we receive over 450 applications in competition for just 150 places on our week-long summer schools. To be eligible you will need to be a Year 12 student at one of our widening participation schools, or participating in one of our widening participation programmes or the Social Mobility Foundation programme.

Excellence Hub

In our partnership with the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield, the Excellence Hub offers you the chance to take part in an exciting range of events. You'll get the chance to sample university study and explore different subject areas. As a Year 12 or 13 student you can apply individually, or attend with your school or college.

Pathways to STEM

Do you aspire to study science, technology, engineering or maths at university? Our Pathways to STEM programme provides an insightful and interactive look into what it's like to study at a research-intensive university.

This programme has been developed to encourage bright students from under-represented groups to study at a leading university like York. It's suitable for students in Year 12.

Pathways to Medicine

Are you interested in a career in medicine? Our Pathways to Medicine programme at the Hull York Medical School offers an insight into the medical profession. You'll also relieve support through the application and selection process for medical school. It's run in conjunction with the Sutton Trust and is open to students in Year 12.

Headstart (Electronic Engineering and Computer Science)

Thinking about studying Computer Science or Electronic Engineering at York? At our Headstart STEM summer schools, you'll take mini lectures, meet with current staff and students, and experience living on a university campus. It's designed for students in Year 12.

Looking to strengthen your study skills and prepare for university-level study? We offer a range of workshops to help you develop your academic study and independent learning skills.

Or are you working towards an EPQ qualification? Our EPQ conferences can help you develop your skills, with sessions focusing on researching skills, academic referencing, effective note taking, academic writing and presentation skills.